hosq team
Sonya – Coordinator
The one responsible for your comfort during the Lab. Contact her about anything. Telegram: @kudruavaya
Lusine – Notations Architect
Bring your weirdest questions, wildest ideas, and midnight thoughts. Telegram: @callhermoonchild
Shoghakat – Community Lead
Bring your thoughts, reflections, and everything in between. Telegram: @shoghakatmlke
meet the Notations Community
meals
- 3 meals per daywill be provided to all participants according to the diets.
You will receive food coupons for breakfast, lunch and dinner, which need to be presented at the buffet. Please don't lose your coupons. - in Fourchette BuffetKing Pap St. (Amiryan) 12, Yerevan
Location - And Drinks & Snackswill be available throughout the whole day at the Philharmonia
venues
- Residency in DilijanTransfer will be arranged for everyone. Buses would be waiting for you on July 20 at 8:15 am near Ani Plaza Hotel. Sayat-Nova Ave. 19, Yerevan
Location - The State PhilharmoniaAbovyan St. 2
Location - The National GalleryAram St. 1
Location - Hayfilm Cluster (MOCT)Ashtarak Highway, 30
Location
schedule
subscribe to Calendar
We have a Google Calendar where we will share a daily agenda.
Subscribe here to save it on your phone.
The calendar will be constantly updated.
Subscribe here to save it on your phone.
The calendar will be constantly updated.
- Dilijan:
20 Jul — 22 JulResidency: to reset, synchronize with each other, connect with local community, and ease into the rhythm before intensive lab begins. - Laboratory:
23 Jul — 30 JulHeart of the lab: 8 days of intensive researching, experimenting, building, doing and redoing, shaping and reshaping, and bringing your ideas to life side by side. - Technical Setup:
31 JulBig Setup Day: full day dedicated to rehearsals, installations, sound checks, and transforming the festival venue into a home for all the works created during the lab. - Festival:
1 Aug — 2 AugThe moment to share it all. Two days of performances, installations, exhibitions, concerts, talks, and shared experiences as the lab opens its doors to the public.
Our documentation team will be capturing the lab through photos & videos. Don't be surprised to see people with cameras around, they're helping preserve this journey.
Please keep your sketches, drafts, recordings, and other materials whenever possible. Together, we'll build a collective archive of Notations.
If you'd like your work or anything you create along the way to become part of the Notations archive, share it with our archivist, Uliana (@junully).
This year, documentation is also part of the artistic process. Alongside the lab, we're developing a Documental Art Project and filming a feature documentary about Notations. You can learn more about the project from its curators, Artem & Evgeniy.
Please keep your sketches, drafts, recordings, and other materials whenever possible. Together, we'll build a collective archive of Notations.
If you'd like your work or anything you create along the way to become part of the Notations archive, share it with our archivist, Uliana (@junully).
This year, documentation is also part of the artistic process. Alongside the lab, we're developing a Documental Art Project and filming a feature documentary about Notations. You can learn more about the project from its curators, Artem & Evgeniy.
what to bring
practical
A few things that'll make your two weeks more comfortable:
• Comfortable walking shoes for hiking
• Sunscreen, hat, and other sun protection
• Reusable water bottle & your favorite mug
• A warm layer for cool evenings (especially in Dilijan)
• A smaller bag to pack for three days outside
• A cute outfit for a professional photoshoot
• A local snack to share at our community potluck
• A small physical object — something that feels like "you" and can become part of our shared space
• Curiosity and an open heart
• Comfortable walking shoes for hiking
• Sunscreen, hat, and other sun protection
• Reusable water bottle & your favorite mug
• A warm layer for cool evenings (especially in Dilijan)
• A smaller bag to pack for three days outside
• A cute outfit for a professional photoshoot
• A local snack to share at our community potluck
• A small physical object — something that feels like "you" and can become part of our shared space
• Curiosity and an open heart
technical
Bring whatever is essential to your practice.
If you have it, we'd recommend packing:
• Laptop and charger
• Sketches, scores, notebooks, or any work-in-progress
• Extension strip and spare cables
(especially if you're bringing multiple devices)
• Wired headphones
• Handy recorder (Zoom or similar)
• Your instruments, controllers, or other personal gear
• Portable projectors, cameras, sensors, or other creative tools you regularly work with
• Costumes, props, or materials — anything you'll need for your practice
Good to know:
• Label your equipment with your name to help avoid mix-ups
• First aid kits will be available at every venue.
If you have it, we'd recommend packing:
• Laptop and charger
• Sketches, scores, notebooks, or any work-in-progress
• Extension strip and spare cables
(especially if you're bringing multiple devices)
• Wired headphones
• Handy recorder (Zoom or similar)
• Your instruments, controllers, or other personal gear
• Portable projectors, cameras, sensors, or other creative tools you regularly work with
• Costumes, props, or materials — anything you'll need for your practice
Good to know:
• Label your equipment with your name to help avoid mix-ups
• First aid kits will be available at every venue.
welcome to Armenia
welcome!
We'll take care of getting you from the airport or bus station to your accommodation. As your arrival date approaches, Sonya (@kudruavaya) will contact you personally to arrange your pickup and answer any travel questions.
accommodation
Ani Plaza Hotel, Location
Sayat-Nova Ave. 19, Yerevan
12-minute walk to the Philharmonia
Two participants per room
Check-in: 19 July · from 14:00
Check-out: 3 August · before 12:00
You'll spend your first night (19 July) at the hotel in Yerevan.
On the morning of 20 July, we'll all head to Dilijan for our three-day residency (accommodation there is also provided). You're welcome to leave most of your luggage at the hotel, though we recommend taking valuables with you.
We'll return to Yerevan late on 22 July and check everyone back into the hotel for the rest of the laboratory.
It may sound a little confusing on paper, but don't worry — we'll guide you every step of the way. Just stay in touch with Sonya (@kudruavaya) if anything is unclear.
Sayat-Nova Ave. 19, Yerevan
12-minute walk to the Philharmonia
Two participants per room
Check-in: 19 July · from 14:00
Check-out: 3 August · before 12:00
You'll spend your first night (19 July) at the hotel in Yerevan.
On the morning of 20 July, we'll all head to Dilijan for our three-day residency (accommodation there is also provided). You're welcome to leave most of your luggage at the hotel, though we recommend taking valuables with you.
We'll return to Yerevan late on 22 July and check everyone back into the hotel for the rest of the laboratory.
It may sound a little confusing on paper, but don't worry — we'll guide you every step of the way. Just stay in touch with Sonya (@kudruavaya) if anything is unclear.
general info on Armenia
A Sonic Playground in the Mountains.
It's a place where ancient alphabets meet experimental art, mountain landscapes become concert halls, and guests are treated like family.
Population: 3.3 million
Area: ~30,000 km²
Capital: Yerevan
Languages: Armenian, English, Russian
Currency: Armenian Dram (AMD) – €1 ≈ 420 AMD
It's a place where ancient alphabets meet experimental art, mountain landscapes become concert halls, and guests are treated like family.
Population: 3.3 million
Area: ~30,000 km²
Capital: Yerevan
Languages: Armenian, English, Russian
Currency: Armenian Dram (AMD) – €1 ≈ 420 AMD
weather
July in Armenia is extremely hot.
Expect up to 40°C during the day and 17–20°C at night in Yerevan.
Bring a reusable water bottle, wear sunscreen, and don't forget a hat.
Drink Water. Seriously.
Tap water is safe to drink.
You'll also notice beautiful drinking fountains called pulpulaks all around Yerevan. They're free, safe, delicious, and a local favorite. Feel free to refill your bottle whenever you're out exploring the city.
Water will also be available throughout the lab venues.
Expect up to 40°C during the day and 17–20°C at night in Yerevan.
Bring a reusable water bottle, wear sunscreen, and don't forget a hat.
Drink Water. Seriously.
Tap water is safe to drink.
You'll also notice beautiful drinking fountains called pulpulaks all around Yerevan. They're free, safe, delicious, and a local favorite. Feel free to refill your bottle whenever you're out exploring the city.
Water will also be available throughout the lab venues.
a few more tips
SIM Cards
Mobile internet is fast and inexpensive.
We recommend: Ucom or Viva-MTS
Both have shops at the airport and throughout Yerevan.
Taxi
The easiest way to move around the city is by taxi.
We recommend:
• GG Taxi: apple | website
• Yandex Go: apple | android
Rides are inexpensive, and both apps work well throughout Yerevan.
Mobile internet is fast and inexpensive.
We recommend: Ucom or Viva-MTS
Both have shops at the airport and throughout Yerevan.
Taxi
The easiest way to move around the city is by taxi.
We recommend:
• GG Taxi: apple | website
• Yandex Go: apple | android
Rides are inexpensive, and both apps work well throughout Yerevan.
if you feel like exploring
A few places we think you'll enjoy:
• Cafesjian Center For The Arts, location — open-air art and epic staircases for sound-walking and sketching.
• Lovers’ Park, location — ideal for a sonic stroll or recording by water and trees.
• Vernissage Market, location — vintage finds, folk instruments, and handmade treasures — great for sampling or visual inspiration.
• The Sergei Parajanov Museum, location — a tribute to Soviet Armenian film director and one of the most popular museums in Yerevan. It represents Parajanov's diverse artistic and literary heritage.
• The National Gallery of Armenia, location — the largest fine arts museum in Armenia and the only museum in the region distinguished by the breadth and scale of its collection of world fine art.
• The Modern Art Museum of Yerevan, location — as a specialized museum of contemporary and modern art, this center of Armenian culture became the first of its kind in the former Soviet Union.
• Komitas Institute Museum, location — an art and biographical museum devoted to the renowned Armenian musicologist and composer Komitas
• Cafesjian Center For The Arts, location — open-air art and epic staircases for sound-walking and sketching.
• Lovers’ Park, location — ideal for a sonic stroll or recording by water and trees.
• Vernissage Market, location — vintage finds, folk instruments, and handmade treasures — great for sampling or visual inspiration.
• The Sergei Parajanov Museum, location — a tribute to Soviet Armenian film director and one of the most popular museums in Yerevan. It represents Parajanov's diverse artistic and literary heritage.
• The National Gallery of Armenia, location — the largest fine arts museum in Armenia and the only museum in the region distinguished by the breadth and scale of its collection of world fine art.
• The Modern Art Museum of Yerevan, location — as a specialized museum of contemporary and modern art, this center of Armenian culture became the first of its kind in the former Soviet Union.
• Komitas Institute Museum, location — an art and biographical museum devoted to the renowned Armenian musicologist and composer Komitas
food and socializing
Yerevan is café heaven. Good coffee is everywhere, Wi-Fi is easy to find, and nobody will judge you for spending three hours talking over a single espresso.
If you're looking for a lively evening, head to Saryan Street for wine, great food, and plenty of creative energy.
Too tired to go out? Order anything through Glovo, Buy.am, and Yandex Delivery.
If you're looking for a lively evening, head to Saryan Street for wine, great food, and plenty of creative energy.
Too tired to go out? Order anything through Glovo, Buy.am, and Yandex Delivery.
ask us anything
If anything feels confusing before or during your stay, just ask. We'd much rather answer ten small questions than have you worry about one. Your go-to person is Sonya (@kudruavaya) — don't hesitate to reach out.
projects & curators
Arman Peshtmaljyan
Shahen Khandkaryan (Shhau)
The program showcases artists working across music, sound, technology, and performance, highlighting new approaches to listening, composition, and collective creation.
Shahen Khandkaryan (Shhau)
The program showcases artists working across music, sound, technology, and performance, highlighting new approaches to listening, composition, and collective creation.
Kai Khachatryan
The project brings together immersive audio experiences, spatial sound works, and experimental installations that expand the possibilities of listening.
The project brings together immersive audio experiences, spatial sound works, and experimental installations that expand the possibilities of listening.
Misak Samokatian
Nadya Xyxu
The project presents multimedia installations, audiovisual performances, and spatial interventions that transform the festival into a site of experimentation, interaction, and discovery.
Nadya Xyxu
The project presents multimedia installations, audiovisual performances, and spatial interventions that transform the festival into a site of experimentation, interaction, and discovery.
Gevorg Grigoryan
The project brings together artists working with moving image, film, animation, archives, and audiovisual storytelling, presenting new visual works and experiments throughout the festival.
The project brings together artists working with moving image, film, animation, archives, and audiovisual storytelling, presenting new visual works and experiments throughout the festival.
Tanya Chizhikova
Inviting performers, dancers, choreographers, movement researchers, body practitioners, theater makers, interdisciplinary performers, sound-and-body practitioners, and artists interested in embodiment, ritual, presence, and collective practices.
Inviting performers, dancers, choreographers, movement researchers, body practitioners, theater makers, interdisciplinary performers, sound-and-body practitioners, and artists interested in embodiment, ritual, presence, and collective practices.
Venera Kazarova
Inviting designers, costume artists, textile artists, wearable art practitioners, jewelry designers, performance designers, stylists, craft-based artists, and interdisciplinary makers exploring the body as an artistic medium.
Inviting designers, costume artists, textile artists, wearable art practitioners, jewelry designers, performance designers, stylists, craft-based artists, and interdisciplinary makers exploring the body as an artistic medium.
Aram Hovhannisyan
Sergey Umroyan
Inviting classical musicians, composers, conductors, instrumentalists, electro-acoustic composers, experimental performers, contemporary music practitioners, and artists exploring intersections between acoustic instruments and electronics to explore the idea of rituals through classical instruments and other forms of expression that we will discover along the way.
Sergey Umroyan
Inviting classical musicians, composers, conductors, instrumentalists, electro-acoustic composers, experimental performers, contemporary music practitioners, and artists exploring intersections between acoustic instruments and electronics to explore the idea of rituals through classical instruments and other forms of expression that we will discover along the way.
Arthur Atayan
A unique zine will be produced during the laboratory: if you love working with texts, taking interviews, translating, researching or if you have a nice essay or article written about rituals, folk culture, collaborative practices — we might find a role for you!
A unique zine will be produced during the laboratory: if you love working with texts, taking interviews, translating, researching or if you have a nice essay or article written about rituals, folk culture, collaborative practices — we might find a role for you!
Tigran Suchyan
Mesrop Sarkisyan
Inviting jazz musicians, improvisers, composers, instrumentalists, electronic performers, live-looping artists, and practitioners working between improvisation, groove, sound experimentation, and electronic music to explore the idea of rituals through jazz language and other forms of expression that we will discover along the way.
Mesrop Sarkisyan
Inviting jazz musicians, improvisers, composers, instrumentalists, electronic performers, live-looping artists, and practitioners working between improvisation, groove, sound experimentation, and electronic music to explore the idea of rituals through jazz language and other forms of expression that we will discover along the way.
Zhanna Davtyan
Ben Wheeler
Inviting traditional musicians, folk singers, ethnomusicologists, sound artists, producers, instrumentalists, experimental composers, and artists interested in transforming traditional music practices through contemporary technologies and electronic approaches to explore the idea of rituals through traditional instruments and other forms of expression that we will discover along the way.
Ben Wheeler
Inviting traditional musicians, folk singers, ethnomusicologists, sound artists, producers, instrumentalists, experimental composers, and artists interested in transforming traditional music practices through contemporary technologies and electronic approaches to explore the idea of rituals through traditional instruments and other forms of expression that we will discover along the way.
Jeanne Kormina (YCIE)
Inviting researchers, scientists, theorists, anthropologists, philosophers, technologists, cultural researchers, writers, archivists, and interdisciplinary practitioners interested in the intersection of art, science, technology, society, and experimental research practices.
Inviting researchers, scientists, theorists, anthropologists, philosophers, technologists, cultural researchers, writers, archivists, and interdisciplinary practitioners interested in the intersection of art, science, technology, society, and experimental research practices.
Dima Ustinov
A sacral listening space — a sound environment where music is experienced through silence, full-body immersion, and shared presence. The space is built around a high-quality sound system designed to be felt as much as heard: sound travels through the room and through the body.
A sacral listening space — a sound environment where music is experienced through silence, full-body immersion, and shared presence. The space is built around a high-quality sound system designed to be felt as much as heard: sound travels through the room and through the body.
Andriesh Gandrabur
Reverse Tower is a ritual in which human signals become light and sound, creating an experience of cosmic perspective and temporarily dissolving the borders between people.
Inviting artists, researchers, technologists and engineers.
Reverse Tower is a ritual in which human signals become light and sound, creating an experience of cosmic perspective and temporarily dissolving the borders between people.
Inviting artists, researchers, technologists and engineers.
Andronik Khachiian
Rituals of Matter. During the concerts, microscopic rituals of matter become live visuals: dissolving crystals, spreading pigments, microorganisms, liquids, and organic particles are captured in real time and transformed through Resolume into a reactive visual environment that evolves together with the music.
Rituals of Matter. During the concerts, microscopic rituals of matter become live visuals: dissolving crystals, spreading pigments, microorganisms, liquids, and organic particles are captured in real time and transformed through Resolume into a reactive visual environment that evolves together with the music.
Evgeniy Sharakshane
Artem Semenov
The documentary film Notations #2 will capture the inner life of the laboratory, following its production process from the initial creative sparks to the final showcase. Instead of a traditional format, the narrative places a sharp focus on the unique personal stories of the participants, crew, and curators.
Artem Semenov
The documentary film Notations #2 will capture the inner life of the laboratory, following its production process from the initial creative sparks to the final showcase. Instead of a traditional format, the narrative places a sharp focus on the unique personal stories of the participants, crew, and curators.
Arman Peshtmaljyan
Armenian composer, arranger, pianist, songwriter, and music producer working across jazz, folk, pop, and contemporary electronic genres. A graduate of the Yerevan State Conservatory and the Basel Academy of Music, he is known for blending Armenian folk traditions with jazz, dream pop, lo-fi, funk, and psychedelic soul.
Shahen Khandkaryan (Shhau)
Shhau is an artist working across music production, sound design, and education, active in Yerevan’s contemporary music scene since 2012. His practice merges experimental electronic music, philosophy, and narrative-driven composition, while maintaining strong ties to the jazz community through ongoing collaborations. Over the past decade, he has produced and co-produced three full-length albums and worked with prominent rock and hip-hop artists as a producer, drum programmer, and mixing engineer. Alongside his artistic work, he teaches music production and sound design, and is a co-founder of Mansard, a multidisciplinary creative studio uniting music, visual art, and photography.
Kai Khachatryan
A Yerevan-based sound artist and experimental musician working between underground culture and electro-acoustic research. Active in punk bands since 2002 and producing experimental music since 2010, his practice centers on field recordings and electromagnetic sounds captured with self-built devices. Focused on timbral transformation rather than structural change, he preserves the raw authenticity of street and acoustic environments. His work often draws on psychological themes, translating complex mental states into immersive sonic forms.
Nadya Xyxu
Multimedia artist working across generative sound, light, projection, and DIY electronics. Through immersive installations and live performances, she combines field recordings, multichannel sound, sculptural objects, and micromapping to create meditative environments where technology becomes a tool for reflection and exploring the relationship between humanity and nature.
Misak Samokatian
Misak Samokatian is an artist, musician, and art director. He has been involved in the field of interactive, kinetic, and audio-visual installations since 2011. As an artist, he works with light, sound, video, space, and time.
Gevorg Grigoryan / dob_
Master of Theater Art, former stage director, and actor turned XR builder. Active since 2012, his foundation in classical theater and orchestral art management now drives his work in real-time visual programming and interactive media. He is the founder of di.ii XR studio_network, an open-source lab built to erase the borders between physical and virtual environments. He treats raw architecture as his primary medium. Using code, depth sensors, and light, he moves beyond flat screens to build live, audio-reactive spatial environments and immersive audiovisual systems.
Tanya Chizhikova
Tanya is a choreographer and dance artist based in Berlin whose work explores the boundaries of choreography through dance, performance, and interdisciplinary art. Her works have been presented at major theatres and festivals across Europe, the United States, and Russia, including ImPulsTanz, Movement Research, Hellerau, Kampnagel, Antigel, and Golden Mask Festival.
Venera Kazarova
A performance artist working at the intersection of visual and performing arts. Her practice approaches costume as a conceptual medium — somewhere between body, object, and image. Her works have been presented at Les Jardins d'Étretat (FR), Acker Stadt Palast (Berlin), Museum K1 (Düsseldorf), and Produktionshaus NAXOS (Frankfurt). She has also collaborated with brands such as Loewe, Cartier, Breitling, and Low Classic. Currently based in Germany.
Aram Hovhannisyan
Aram is a composer of contemporary music active on both local and international stages, collaborating with leading festivals, ensembles, and soloists. Since 2017, he has directed the Crossroads Festival and founded Ensemble Assonance in Yerevan, contributing to the development of Armenia’s contemporary music scene. Since 2018, he has been affiliated with the Yerevan Komitas State Conservatory, where he serves as Vice-Rector for Academic and International Affairs and teaches composition.
Sergey Umroyan
Also known as URMIA, is an Armenian composer and sound artist focused on electro-acoustic composition and contemporary music. He is the co-founder of Ensemble Assonance, as well as Armenian National Music and Amara Publishing. His work explores the relationship between sound, texture, and movement, blending acoustic and electronic environments. In 2025, his ballet Ikona was staged at the Bolshoi Theatre and other major theatres in Russia.
Arthur Atayan
Musician, arts manager, and educator with a background in art history. Active in Armenia’s underground scene both as performer and organizer, he has curated numerous cross-genre events.
Tigran Suchyan
Flugelhorn player, Director of Artsakh State Jazz Orchestra, arranger and composer. Studied at the Komitas State Conservatory and has performed with groups such as the Armenian State Jazz Orchestra, Armenian Navy Band, and KATUNER. He is the founder of the Dialog Music Project and currently leads the Artsakh State Jazz Orchestra, actively promoting jazz through performances, collaborations, and festivals both in Armenia and internationally.
Mesrop Sarkisyan
Mesrop is a versatile pianist, producer, and educator with 25 years of experience across classical, jazz, and electronic music. He has collaborated with artists like Tigran Hamasyan, Koda, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Gary Novak, Tim Lefebvre, and many others. With two full-length albums, an EP, and numerous singles, Mesrop blends tradition with innovation in his dynamic musical approach.
Zhanna Davtyan
A vocalist and musicologist based in Yerevan, her work moves between Armenian folk music, jazz, and contemporary performance. Currently a music teacher at Karin Folk Group and a soloist/performer with the Yerevan State Chamber Choir, Artsakh State Jazz Orchestra, and Dialogue Project.
Ben Wheeler
Musician, musicologist, and educator based in Tbilisi whose work combines Caucasian folk traditions with modular synthesis, drone, dark ambient, and experimental sound practices. Through his solo project Bneleti, he explores the intersection of folk music and contemporary electronic forms. He is the co-founder of Mountains of Tongues, teaches synthesis at Creative Education Studio, and has worked as a sound designer for Arturia, Sample Logic, and UVI. Ben is also a resident of Mutant Radio, where he hosts interviews, workshops, and concert programs.
Andriesh Gandrabur
Composer, sound designer, and educator working at the intersection of sound art, media, and performance. Founder of the Sound Art and Sound Design program at HSE School of Design.
Andronik Khachiian
Artist and curator across bio art, performance, and sound. He has led interdisciplinary laboratories and curated exhibitions in Europe, Mexico, and Armenia.
Dima Ustinov
Over the past 20 years, Dima has been active across multiple areas of the music field, including live performance with his own band, DJing, organizing parties and music festivals, music education and mentoring, as well as producing original tracks and remixes. Today, his practice centers around two main directions: performing live electroacoustic music for piano and synthesizers, and creating interactive, immersive musical experiences for audiences. He also serves as Music Dean of the online education platform Journey, contributing to the development of new approaches in contemporary music learning.
festival
A Little Inspiration Before We Begin
Bring Your Friends to the Festival
See you soon!
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